Detroit, MI – Eight men from the Metro Detroit area have been formally charged in connection with an extensive high-end car theft and international smuggling ring. The coordinated criminal scheme involved stealing luxury vehicles and shipping them overseas through sophisticated transportation channels.
Authorities announced the charges following a multi-agency investigation involving local and federal law enforcement, highlighting the cooperative effort to dismantle this significant criminal enterprise.
A Complex Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Vehicles
The accused men, ranging in age from 32 to 46 and residing in Detroit and surrounding communities, face one count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles along with multiple counts of transportation of stolen vehicles. The defendants include:
- Haydar Al Haydari, 41, Garden City
- Karar Alnakash, 43, Detroit
- Abbas Al Othman, 42, Dearborn Heights
- Mohammed Al Hilo, 36, Detroit
- Moustapha Al Fetlawi, 46, Dearborn Heights
- Terrill Davis, 33, Detroit
- David Roshinsky Williams, 32, Harper Woods
- Mohammed Al Abboodi, 35, Detroit
The scope of their operation allegedly spanned from at least July 2023 through August 2025. According to federal officials, the men conspired to receive stolen luxury vehicles at one of four commercial or industrial lots. They then loaded multiple cars into shipping containers and coordinated transportation to port cities via freight or rail.
Once at the ports, the containers were shipped overseas to evade law enforcement detection, further emphasizing the international extent of their scheme.
Law Enforcement Collaboration Leads to Major Breakthrough
This investigation was led by the Dearborn Police Department, with critical support from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. issued the official release detailing the charges.
“This indictment underscores the importance of law enforcement collaboration to ensure those who exploit our borders through unlawful commercial vehicle smuggling operations are brought to justice,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office as per ClickOnDetroit.
“The FBI in Michigan is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners in disrupting both domestic and international trafficking networks. We remain committed to protecting our community and safeguarding the integrity of our infrastructure.”
In addition, Matthew Stentz, ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the human impact behind the stolen vehicles:
“Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim. This case hits even closer to home in a state like Michigan, where auto theft doesn’t just hurt our wallets, but our culture. Our HSI special agents and law enforcement partners will continue to do the work necessary to take down these operations that harm everyday Americans.”
Potential Penalties and the Road Ahead
If convicted, each individual faces significant legal consequences. The penalties include:
- Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge
- Up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for counts of transporting stolen vehicles
The case serves as a critical reminder of the challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating international vehicle theft rings and the importance of sustained cooperation at all jurisdictional levels.
Protecting Communities and Michigan’s Automotive Heritage
Michigan’s long-standing automotive culture suffers deeply from auto theft and smuggling. This high-profile indictment highlights law enforcement’s commitment to safeguarding both the economy and the residents affected by these crimes.
Through aggressive investigation and inter-agency coordination, authorities aim to dismantle these illicit networks to protect the region and prevent further losses.
Your Voice Matters
What do you think about this international car smuggling operation? Have local auto theft issues affected you or your community? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
